Middle School Education

Amanda Gauthier

6th Grade Homeroom

Science & Social Studies

B.S. in Biology from Concordia University WisconsinTeaching Credential – Vanguard University of Southern CaliforniaFlorida Teaching Credential

ESOL
Certified

Currently Teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Science, 7th Math, 6th Religion and Geography.

Coming into their first year of middle school 6th graders are continually encouraged in their walk of faith and education. Redeemer provides high-level academics and fosters critical and creative thinking skills.

In science, students will participate in multiple enriching labs and are part of the organic gardening project that donates food to the soup kitchen. Training students to care for God’s creation is one of the most important lessons that we focus on throughout the year in science and geography.

Having been in Lutheran schools from Pre-K through college, Christian schools are where I want to be. God is at work all around us and I am thankful to serve at a wonderful, Christ centered church and school. God uses Redeemer to connect people to life in Jesus daily. Life is busy, but taking time to receive God’s gifts on Sunday is the highlight of my week.

Nick Utech

7th Grade Homeroom

Mathematics

BA Elementary Education, Concordia University River Forest(2004)Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran School, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (2004 – 2007)Trinity Lutheran, Davenport, IA (2007 – 2012)

Mr. Utech attended Lutheran Schools from preschool through 8th grade, with the majority of time spent at St. Paul Lutheran School in Boca Raton, Florida. He continued on to Boca Raton Community High School and graduated with honors in 2000. After one year at Valparaiso University, he transferred to Concordia University RIVER FOREST and earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mathematics in 2004.

Mr. Utech’s first call was to Shepherd of theCoast Lutheran School where he spent much of his time there as 7th and 8th grade teacher. He developed math and science programs for SOC and also worked to build the school athletic program and health awareness among his students. He coached several sports teams as well. He was also instrumental in getting a youth group started at Shepherd of the Coast.

Mr. Utech then went on to serve at Trinity Lutheran School in Davenport, Iowa. He was the 6th grade homeroom teacher. Over his 5 years there, Mr. Utech also taught 5th through 8th grade math and Algebra, 6th and 7th grade religion, PE, computer and health. He also coached basketball and golf at Trinity, and served as Athletic Director for two+ years. Mr. Utech was also involved in the leadership of the junior high youth ministry at Trinity.

You will find Mr. Utech looking for any opportunity to stay connected to God in The Word (Bible), spending time outside and participating in various sporting activities, cheering for his favorite Florida sports teams and the University of Michigan, and hanging out with his friends and family (including being Uncle to the 3 best nephews in the world!)

Mr. Utech is excited to be at Redeemer and looks forward to new opportunities for ministry at our Church and School.

8th Grade Homeroom

English & Literature

 Graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a B.A. in communication
and a minor in humanities.Worked as a professional writer and editor for approximately 10 years. Completed Educator Prep Institute at Indian River State College.Lutheran school teacher for eight years.

Florida certification in Integrated Middle School Studies.

Currently teaches middle school Language Arts.

The focus of Redeemer Lutheran School is “Preparing Christian Leaders.” By the time students reach eighth grade, they have been taught the skills and have the confidence and abilities to put this mantra into practice.

At Redeemer, we are preparing students to succeed in high school AP and Honors courses. To further enhance their education, students have the opportunity to choose from the following electives: journalism, writers’ workshop, leadership and current events, math enrichment, handbells, choir, environmental science, health, and extra physical fitness classes. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in the guitar orchestra, the All School Musical, talent show, and the Spring Arts Festival.

Another aspect of Redeemer is that we understand a healthy body enhances a healthy mind. Not only do eighth grade students take physical education every day, but also they have the opportunity to play on a number of award-winning sports teams with top-notch coaches such as the following sports: soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, football, and lacrosse. Many of the coaches offer intensive training and/or club teams if the students are interested in taking it to the next level.

Most importantly, Redeemer prepares students to uphold their beliefs as they enter a more secular world. They learn what it truly means to be a Christian leader. In religion class they learn, not only what the Bible teaches about Christ’s life, but also how we are to respond to Christ’s love and forgiveness. Students practice this by understanding their own faith. They serve others in projects such as assisting at assisted living facilities, creating handmade cards to give to those who are ill or struggling, collecting for food drives, and helping the younger children develop their reading skills.